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November 2007 - Army Shoeing Competition

The Army Shoeing Competition was back on track this year after the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s competition.

To set the record straight, the Army bought some horses in 2006, which then developed strangles. Through quarantine and testing, several other horses were identified as sub-clinical carriers of the strangles bacterium. These horses were viewed as a risk to the rest of the Army herd and the general horse population. To minimise the risk of spread from the site it was decided to stop the movement of horses to and from the site, and to minimise contact of our herd with the general public. Reluctantly we cancelled all competitions on the site and this included the Army Farriery competition. This was a great shame to all involved put particularly for my predecessor Steve Newman. The amount of work he had put into the competition, including his own time, was immense. The competition had been totally re-structured to include apprentice competitions, as well as an extra shoeing class for those hardened competitors.

The financial implications of this were that the competition had to revert to its previously tried and tested format. Next year however, there are plans to include apprentice shoemaking classes, amongst other modifications.

The competition this year was judged by a fine Scotsman in Mr Jim Balfour. The Army competition has a strong link with our friends north of the border for many reasons. Melton usually is an extremely cold place and the Scots seem to be unaffected by this, still managing to cast an expert eye over the competitors’ work. It is also imperative (for team building and morale purposes) that the hosts take the judge into Melton in the evenings for some low key refreshment; again they seem to cope extremely well with this.

On Friday the Military and Ex-Military competition was held. It was extremely well attended, each round being absolutely full. There was much banter flying around as usual, and it served to remind us all that no matter who or what you are, someone somewhere is laughing at you!

Friday evening was the leaving dinner for WO1 Steve Newman FWCF. This was held in the Sergeants’ Mess and included an historical look at Steve’s life and career. This proved to be a fitting tribute and a great send off for Steve, recognising the amount of good work he has accomplished for the Army and the profession of farriery.

Saturday saw the open hunter class, a win for Gary Darlow and a fantastic second place for Steve Newman. This competition requires competitors to apply a tooled and fullered shoe on the foot and the specimen this year was a tricky little number, being a ground seated bar shoe. Again the rounds were full and the competition was as hot as the Cottams’ girls situated in the tea room!

The final day was the open therapeutic class. This was a bar shoe on the foot and a lateral toe extension bar shoe specimen. Again, this class was hotly contested with another win for Gary Darlow and this time a second place for Dick Ellison, one of the Army’s home grown talents.

This year the competition was unavoidably run over Armistice weekend. A minute’s silence was held at the prize giving to remember all those who are no longer with us. This was impeccably observed by all competitors and sponsors present.

Thanks this year must go to the Horse Trust who provided a fantastic rose bowl and prize money for the overall winner of the competition. Brigadier Paul Jepson kindly attended the prize giving on the Sunday and presented the rose bowl himself.

The Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers presented the rest of the prizes and thanks go to him and also to all the sponsors of the competition and of course to our judge Mr Jim Balfour. Next year’s competition will take place in November; the dates are yet to be confirmed.

Finally, my personal thanks go to all my staff at the Army School of Farriery in the smooth running of the competition.

M Watson, WO1, FSM

Army Competition – Results

Junior Military Apprentices
1st Gnr Jock Anderson
2nd L/CoH Taff Howell
3rd Tpr Stan Stanford

Senior Military Apprentices
1st L/Bdr Peter Cox
2nd L/Bdr Matt Wallace
3rd L/CoH Taff Thomas

Military Class
1st WO2 (FSM) Mark Watson
2nd Mr Russell Jones
3rd Mr Steve Newman

Best Specimen - Bdr Dick Ellison
Best Dressed Foot - WO2 (FSM) Mark Watson
Best Ex-Military - Mr Russell Jones

Open Hunter Class
1st Mr Gary Darlow
2nd Mr Steve Newman
3rd Mr Richard Spence

Best Specimen - Mr Steve Newman
Best Shod Foot - Mr Gary Darlow

Open Therapeutic
1st Mr Gary Darlow
2nd Bdr Dick Ellison
3rd Mr Steve Cox-Rusbridge

Best Specimen - Mr Gary Darlow
Best Dressed Foot - Mr Ed Simcock
Best Military Farrier - Bdr Dick Ellison

Special Awards
Best Farrier Under 25 - Mr Matt Smailes
Best Military Farrier Overall - WO2 (FSM) Mark Watson
Army Comp Overall Champion - Mr Gary Darlow

24 November 2007 - 1th Master & Apprentice Shoeing & Shoemaking Competition

Results of the 14th Master and Apprentice Shoeing and Shoemaking Competition and Open day held on Saturday 24th November 2007 at the Centre for Rural Crafts,
Holme Lacy, Hereford

Shoeing

Judges: Phillip Perryman & D P Smith

1st Team and winner of the Capewell Challenge Shield, apron donated by Gibbins and nail pullers donated by J Blurton for apprentice -
J Blurton & R Hilton

2nd Team - and winner of nail pullers donated by J Blurton for apprentice -
J Bryan & M Holmes

3rd Team - and winner of Knife donated by J Blurton for apprentice -
J Blurton & W Gratney

4th Team - Recognition Cards
E Harries & J Cheney

Highly Commended Team - Recognition Cards
A Casserley & B Casserley

WCF Bronze Medal for best job by an apprentice -
R Hilton

Cottam’s Tankard for best prepared foot by an apprentice -
W Gratney

Highest mark by an ATF - Recognition Card -
N Fennel

Carl Jones Memorial Trophy for the highest score by a Hereford Apprentice in the Shoeing Class -
Lucy Fairclough

Shoemaking

Judge: Richard Spence

1st Team and winner of Shield, clenching tongs and nail pullers donated by J Blurton -
A Calvert & J C Lee

2nd Team and winner of nail pullers donated by J Blurton -
Darren Bazin & J Morris

3rd Team and winner of knife donated by J Blurton -
D Ellison & R Anderson

4th Team - Recognition Cards -
J Bryan & H Garner

Highly Commended - Recognition Cards -
E Harries & D Calko

Best Shoe by an ATF - Recognition Cards
Darren Bazin

Cottam’s Tankard and WCF Bronze Medal for best shoe by an apprentice -
J C Lee

Strömsholm Challenge

Judge: James Ravenscroft

Winner of a forge donated by Carl Bettison of Strömsholm -
R Robb
Blacksmithing (make snail)

Judge: Ian Coleman

Winner 1st/2nd yr students
1st Winner of Book and Tongs - Tom Waite

2nd £10 - Andy Spajers

Winner 3rd/4th yr students
1st Winner of Book - D Lowe

2nd £10 - A Barr

Winner Professional Smiths

1st Book - C Blythman

2nd £10 - S Mitchell

28 October 2007 - YFEDA - Heavy Horseshoe Competition

The Yorkshire Farriers Education & Demonstration Association ( YFEDA ) held the annual Heavy Horseshoe making competition at The Forge, Londonderry, Northallerton, N. Yorkshire on Sunday 28.10.07. ( Courtesy of H. & J. Dyer ).

The results of all classes are below.
Mr Dave Smith AWCF kindly judged the competition.
Over 60 competitors entered and traveled from far and wide. After a wet 1st round, the day improved and turned out sunny. 10 coke fires blasted away through the day with a break to run the van based Gas Forge Class. It was a real pleasure to see so many people at The Forge at this friendly and sociable event.
YFEDA would like to thank their sponsors who supported the competition :-
Richard Ash Horseshoes;
Stromsholm Ltd;
Handmade Shoes Uk Ltd;
County Steel Supplies Ltd;
F. Cooper & Son (Coal Merchant)
Londonderry Forge Supplies
APPRENTICE CLASS
Judge: D.P. Smith A.W.C.F.
Name Shoe 1 Shoe 2 TOTAL Junior/ Senior Junior Overall
R. Slater 9.0 9.0 18.0 S 1st
J. Ashford 8.6 8.8 17.4 S 2nd
H. Garner 8.4 8.6 17.0 J 1st 3rd
A. Smith 8.4 8.5 16.9 J 2nd 4th
J. Haigh 8.5 8.3 16.8 J 3rd 5th
J. Morris 8.3 8.4 16.7 J 4th
D. Calco 8.0 8.0 16.0 J 5th

OPEN CLASS
Judge: D.P. Smith A.W.C.F.
Name Front Hind TOTAL Place
S.P. Beane 8.90 9.20 18.10 1st
G. Darlow 9.00 8.60 17.60 2nd
A. Fox 8.20 8.30 16.50 3rd
J. Atkinson 7.60 8.80 16.40 4th
George Broadhead Shield
Awarded to competitor with highest open/ gas forge points:
Winner S. P. Beane

GAS FORGE CLASS
Name Score Place
S. P. Beane 9.20 1st
M. Smailes 8.80 2nd
J. Young-Gajczak 8.60 3rd
J. Atkinson 8.00 4th

13 October 2007 - Hose Shoeing Competition

Hose competition
Hose shoeing competition was held on October 13. The judges were D. P. Smith (Open Class) M. Watson (Apprentice Class)

Results
Traditional hunter shoeing (Robert Wood Trophy; WCF silver medal)
1. Adrian Devereux;
2. Andrew Casserly;
3. Gary Darlow;
4. Matthew Randles;
5. Duncan Thomson;
6. Stephen Hill;
7. Nigel Fennell;
8. Russell Jones

Best prepared foot and best specimen shoe – Adrian Devereux.

Best Leicestershire branch member – Daniel Bennet;

Best under 24 years of age
1. Matthew Randles;
2. Ross Skelly.

1st and 2nd year apprentice class (Tankard, WCF bronze medal)
1. Joel Morris;
2. Harry Garner;
3. Jack Short;
4. Luke Reynolds;
5. Dean Scott
Highly commended – J. C. Lee;
Commended – Robert Rush

Best Leicestershire apprentice – Jack Short (David Ashton Memorial Trophy)

3rd and 4th year apprentice class (Walter Spence Trophy, WCF bronze medal)
1. Ricky Hilton;
2. Ben Casserly;
3. Jason Gajczak;
4. Russell Deering;
5. Andrew David Smith;
Highly commended – Richard Slater; Commended – Tom Farmer
Best Leicestershire apprentice – James Ashforth

29 September 2007 - National Hunter Shoeing Championships

Judge: Mr David P Smith

This year saw the second year of the newly revived National Hunter Shoeing Competition, held at The Forge on the Bath & West of England Showground and run by members of the Mid Somerset branch of NAFBAE.

Jim Blurton Tools Ltd, with Jim donating a magnificent specially commissioned bronze trophy THE JIM BLURTON TROPHY, sponsored this year.

20 competitors journeyed many miles to take part and make this years competition an excellent event.
The judge this year, Mr David Smith, gave the competitors something to think about by placing a tool and fullered perventer barshoe on the board as the specimen to be made, as well as one hunter concave on the foot with only 50 minutes time allowed.
Time was tight but undaunted the class began dead on 10 o'clock and with 5 very good horses lined up, the rounds came thick and fast and the sparks where soon flying with a good deal of sure weld being splashed about just make sure that weld went in first time!!

Lunch was provided by Julie Perrott and daughter Charlie with some fine Somerset cheddar and pickles being taken on the hoof by all competitors and stewards, Norman Cameron making the tea as fast as he could and John Ford keeping a close eye on the clock. By 3.30pm, after a lot of sweat and toil, the final bell rang and the last round was finished - feet down, specimens marked, the results where in.

Could Andy Casserly win back to back years, After a fine second in the World Championships and with 9 past and present internationals taking part it would be a tough job - Nigel Fennell at the top of his game this summer was looking for another win, Spud Allison past hunter champion also looking to add to his many victories, Tony Wilson travelling from Chorley to compete was sure to give it his best shot, could the All Black Andy Reader-Smith pull it off with same ease as the rugby team have be playing, or the Welsh boys Elgan Harris and Nigel Brown , Jim Blurton take the trophy home to the valleys who could tell?

A mention must go to young Mark Evans who only qualified this summer for a fine attempt; we look forward to seeing him next year. Also Steve Belasco who competed this year making somewhat of a record having now taken part in the 70's 80's 90's and now this decade some feat.
After a quick wash up and a pint from the beer fest also on the showground
Chief steward, Will Bougard, made the announcements starting with;

Best under 25 year - Matt Randall
Best dressed foot - Nigel Fennell (9.4)
Best specimen shoe - Andy Casserly (9.0)

4th - Andy Casserly (43.9) receiving a cheque for £50
3rd - Jim Hayter (44.0) receiving a cheque for £100
2nd - Nigel Fenell (44.7) receiving a cheque for £150
1st - Gavin Golby (44.8) National Hunter Shoeing Champion 2007 receiving The Jim Blurton Trophy, a cheque for £500

Full results as follows -

1st - Gavin Golby (44.8)
2nd - Nigel Fenell (44.7)
3rd - Jim Hayter (44.0)
4th - Andy Casserly (43.9)
5th - Ian Allison (43.4)
6th - Adrian Devereux (42.9)
7th - Andy Reader-Smith (42.8)
8th - Elgin Harris (42.7)
9th - Nigel Brown (42.5)
10th - Matt Randall (42.2)
11th - Tony Wilson (41.5)
12th - Nigel Perrott (41.4)
13th - Alex Lake (41.0)
14th - Ed Simcock (40.6)
15th - Jim Blurton (38.8)
16th - Duncan Thompson (38.0)
17th - Steve Belasco (37.2)
18th - Mark Evans (37.0)
19th - Brian Saunders (32.0)

All winners also received prizes very kindly given by Jim Blurton Tools Ltd.

A big thankyou to all who took part we look forward to next year where we hope to improve on this year and go forward again taking a step towards restoring this competition to the Blue ribboned event it was in the past.

15-16 September 2007 - Newbury Show

Well what a weekend Newbury show turned out to be, our highest ever numbers of entrants competing over two days in glorious weather. We had to put on an extra horse and two extra fires this year to accommodate our 80+ competitors.

The Reading branch would like to thank all of those who took part and especially to our Judge Andrew Reader-Smith and NAFBAE President, Richard Hurcomb, for coming down from Norfolk for the presentations. And a very special thanks to our sponsors, Stromsholm.

It was a long weekend for the judge; with eight horses in each class he was almost permanently on the shoeing floor either discussing feet prior to the off or keeping up with the judging as each class got under way. We had over more than 40 competitors in the open and therapeutic classes and over 20 in each of the two apprentice classes.

D. P. Smith had an excellent weekend taking 1st place in the hunter shoeing and clinching the Rose Bowl and our local Shepherd Shield for yet another year. D. P. Smith has kindly agreed to judge for us next year.

As chairman of the Reading branch I would like to thank those people who have helped us behind the scenes, and a special thanks to Roz Linssner who has a frantic job on Sunday getting all the results together for the presentations.
We all look forward to seeing you again next year.
Cliff Barnes

On a sad note, Cliff reports that the showground’s 7 anvils were stolen after the show. They were painted Oxford blue and are distinctive shipwright’s anvils. If anyone has any information as to their whereabouts, Reading branch – and the police – would be delighted to hear from you.

Class 1 - Hunter Shoeing
1st - D P Smith • 45.2
2nd - Matthew Randles • 44.8
3rd - Gary Darlow • 43.8
4th - Elgan Harries • 43.6
5th - Jay Tovey • 43.6
6th - Ricky Hilton • 43.4
7th - Nigel Brown • 42.8
8th - Duncan Thomson • 42.6
9th - Nigel Fennell • 42.6
10th - Jim Ravenscroft • 42.2
Best Dressed Foot - Matthew Randles • 44.8
Best Specimen Shoe - Nigel Fennell • 42.6
R1 - Ricky Hilton • 43.4
R2 - Thomas Richards • 41.0

Class 2 - Horse & Pony Shoeing
1st - Jim Ravenscroft • 45.0
2nd - Duncan Thomson • 43.2
3rd - Matthew Randles • 43.2
4th - D P Smith • 42.8
5th - Jay Tovey • 42.2
6th - Nigel Brown • 42.0
7th - Jim Hayter • 41.6
8th - Daniel Birchall • 41.4
9th - Elgan Harries • 41.0
10th - Thomas Richards • 40.2
Best Specimen Shoe and Best Dressed Foot -
Jim Ravenscroft • 45.0
R1 - Thomas Richards • 40.2
R2 - Nick Hamilton • 38.6

Class 3 - Therapeutic Shoeing
1st - Gary Darlow • 9.0
2nd - Gavin Golby • 8.8
3rd - D P Smith • 8.7
4th - Gareth Thomas • 8.6
5th - Russel Jones • 8.5
6th - Duncan Thomson • 8.2
7th= - Nigel Brown • 8.0
7th= - Jim Ravenscroft • 8.0
9th - Jay Tovey • 7.8
9th - Mark Evans • 7.8
Best Apprentice - Ben Casserley • 7.6
Best Apprentice 2nd - Thomas Martin • 7.0

Class 4 - Open Shoemaking
1st - Jay Tovey • 17.8
2nd - D P Smith • 17.2
3rd - Duncan Thomson • 17.0
4th - Matthew Randles • 16.0
5th - Gary Darlow • 15.6
6th - Gavin Golby • 15.0
7th - Jim Ravenscroft • 15.0
8th - Ben Hamilton • 15.0
9th - Nigel Fennell • 14.8
10th= - Jim Hayter • 13.8
10th= - Edward Maskell • 13.8
Best Apprentice - Edward Maskell • 13.8
Best Apprentice 2nd - Ricky Hilton • 13.4

Class 5 - Apprentice Shoemaking 1/2 year
1st - Harry Garner • 16.0
2nd - James Haig • 15.8
3rd - Dan Preece • 15.6
4th - Janek Zysemil • 15.4
5th - Abi Hardy • 15.2
6th - Patrick Homan • 15.0

Class 6 - Apprentice Shoemaking 3/4 year
1st - Ricky Hilton • 17.2
2nd - Richard Slater • 16.8
3rd - Russell Deering • 16.4
4th - Edward Maskell • 16.0
5th - Ben Casserley • 15.6
6th - Steve Griffin • 14.0

Rosebowl Championship
1st - D P Smith • 113.9
2nd= - Matthew Randles • 111.4
2nd= - Jay Tovey • 111.4
4th - Duncan Thomson • 111.0
5th - Jim Ravenscroft • 110.2
6th - Nigel Brown • 105.8
7th - Elgan Harries • 103.2
8th - Jim Hayter • 102.6
9th - Ed Simcock • 102.4
10th - Russell Jones • 100.9
11th= - Ben Hamilton • 99.8
11th= - Gavin Golby • 99.8
13th - Nigel Fennell • 98.6
14th - Robert Duggan • 97.4
15th - Nick Hamilton • 97.0
16th - Ricky Hilton • 95.2
17th - Thomas Richards • 95.0
18th - Mark Evans • 94.8
19th - Daniel Birchall • 91.6
20th - Jason Brown • 86.6

26-27 August 2007 - Edenbridge and Oxted Show

This year’s Edenbridge and Oxted show was lucky to be one of the few agricultural shows to enjoy good weather. 2007 will also be remembered as the year Lyn Orgill, who has worked tirelessly for so many years, passed the mantle on to others. They have a hard act to follow. The judges, Phil Dunmall (farriery), Eric Lamprell (live blacksmithing) and Dave Harman (static) were all impressed with the quality of work presented at the show.

Open pony (Mick Orgill Perpetual Trophy)
Sponsored by Eastlake and Beachall

1. Steve Hill; 2. Dan Birchall; 3. James Hayter; 4. Mark White; 5. Matt Wallis; 6. Pete Cronin

Restricted ‘special’ prize (Forge Hill Trophy) – Matt Wallis
Best specimen shoe – Dan Birchall

Roadster shoeing (Edenbridge & Oxted Perpetual Trophy)
Sponsored by Chelmer Training

1. James Hayter; 2. Matt Wallis; 3. Steve Hill; 4. Lou Meade; 5. Anthony Waterfield. 6. Pete Cronin

Restricted special prize (Owen Pine Trophy) – Matt Wallis
Best specimen shoe – Steve Hill

1st and 2nd year apprentices (PJC Services Trophy)
Sponsored by G. W. Day & Co

1. Jake Fletcher; 2. Dean Scott; 3. Russell Deering; 4. Abi Hardy; 5. Yogev Sharp; 6. Will Sands.

3rd and 4th year apprentices (James Todd Trophy)
Sponsored by James Todd, AFCL

1. Jon Foyle; 2. Tom Farmer; 3. James Clarke; 4. Will Hampson; 5. Mark Richardson; 6. Gary Moley

Best apprentice in judge’s opinion – Tom Farmer (Stromsholm Trophy)

Open heavy horse shoemaking (Anthony Clare Trophy)
Sponsored by the Farriers and Blacksmiths Committee

1. Lou Meade; 2. Steve Hill; 3. James Hayter; 4. Steve Taylor; 5. Mark White; 6. Jason Brown

Apprentice heavy horse shoemaking (Suffolk Horseshoes Perpetual Trophy)
Sponsored by The Local Rider Magazine

1. Tom Farmer; 2. Jacob Fletcher; 3. Mark Richardson; 4. Dean Scott; 5. Ben Walker; 6. Louis Meade

Best 1st and 2rd year apprentice – Jacob Fletcher (The Putney Show Shield)
Best pair over two days – James Hayter and Peter Cronin (Folly Forge Trophy)

WCF medals
3rd and 4th year apprentice: WCF bronze medal – Jon Foyle
Apprentice heavy horse shoemaking: WCF bronze medal – Tom Farmer
Heavy horse shoemaking: WCF bronze medal – Lou Meade

Show Championship
Show champion – Steve Hill (C. Collins & Sons Championship Trophy and crystal decanter and WCF medal)
Reserve champion – James Hayter

Mick Orgill Special Achievement Trophy, made and donated by Dave Harman, FWCB – Peter Cronin

Wrought iron work

Traditional ironwork (Bo-Peep Shield)
Sponsored by Adler and Allen

1. Nigel Stenning; 2. Nigel Stenning; 3. Richard Bradshaw; 4. Rory Olney; 5. Merv Allen; 6. Richard Bradshaw

Contemporary ironwork (IS&G Rosebowl)
Sponsored by IS&G Steel Stockholders

1. Malcolm Shepherd; 2. Andrew Nice; 3. Andy Hall; 4. Richard Hillam; 5. Dave Waight; 6. Richard Bent.

A pair of bookends (Owen Pine Perpetual Trophy)
Sponsored by Owen Pine

1. Richard Bradshaw; 2. Malcolm Shepherd; 3. Richard Jones; 4. Chezz Chescoe; 5. John Daly; 5. Sam Briggs

An item from angle or T section (Brasted Forge Trophy)
Sponsored by Brasted Forge

1. Richard Hillam; 2. Malcolm Shepherd; 3. Chezz Chescoe; 4. Malcolm Shepherd; 5. Richard Jones; 6. Richard Jones.

Christmas (Knights Garden Centre Trophy)
Sponsored by Vaughns

1. Sam Briggs; 2. Richard Hillam; 3. Richard Jones; 4. Richard Jones; 5. Nick Bates; 6. Nick Bates

An agricultural/industrial item (Don Mallett Trophy)
Sponsored by Beevers

1. Simon Grant Jones; 2. Richard Jones; 3. Simon Grant Jones; 4. Simon Grant Jones; 5. Dave Waight; 6. Richard Bent.

Apprentice/trainee (WCB plaque and Westerham Trophy)
Sponsored by K. M. Finch

1. Daniel Tester; 2. Sam Briggs; 3. Sam Briggs; 4. Sam Briggs; 5. Louis Meade; 6. Gareth Erwin

Live competition (Tommy Tucker Trophy)
Sponsored by High Rocks Restaurant

1. Andrew Hall; 2. Richard Hillam; 3. Richard Jones; 4. Nick Bates; 5. Jim Price; 6. Richard Bent.

Pairs live competition (Burrows Lea Trophy)
Sponsored by Burrows Lea Forge

1. Andy Hall and Richard Jones; 2. Mike Stanton and Hayden Stanton; 3. Nick Bates and Sam Briggs; 4. Jim Price and Richard Hillam; 5. John Daly and Colin Housen; 6. John Martlew and John Deering

Other awards
20-minute live competition - James Price (winner takes all)

John Denton Memorial Trophy presented by Rob Denton. This is the winning static entry voted by the public at the show – Malcolm Shepherd

NBCC Show Championship Static
Champion – Malcolm Shepherd
Reserve champion – Andrew Nice

NBCC Show Championship Live Blacksmithing
Champion Andrew Hall
Reserve champion – Richard Hillam

High Rocks Restaurant Trophy and Rosettes (High Rocks Championship Trophy)
For most points scored in all classes
Edenbridge and Oxted Show Champion – Richard Hillam
Reserve Show Champion – Malcolm Shepherd

11-12 August 2007 - Kings Lynn Shoemaking and Shoeing Competitions

Class 1 Hunter Shoeing
1st – Stephen Hill
2nd - Mark White.
3rd - Ed O’Shaughnessy
4th - Wilf Ford
5th - Sam Beeley
6th - Dan Burcchall
Best dressed foot – Dan Burchall
Best Specimen Shoe – Stephen Hill
Best Local – Stephen Hill.

Class 2 1st and 2nd year Apprentice Shoemaking.
1st – Russell Deering
2nd – Harry Garner
3rd - James Haig
4th – Tonia Sanderson
5th – Joe Rose
6th – Adam Curtis
Best Local – Joe Rose

Class 3 3rd and 4th Year Apprentice Shoemaking
1st – Thomas Richards
2nd – Andrew Marris
3rd – Tom Farmer
4th – Mark Evens
5th – James Warden
6th – Dan Lowe
Best Local – Andrew Marris

Class 4 Open Shoemaking.
1st – Ed O’Shaugnessy
2nd – Sam Beeley
3rd – Wilf Ford
4th – William O’Shaughnessy
5th – Thomas Richards
6th – Andrew Marris
Best Apprentice – Thomas Richards

Class 5 Heavy Horse shoeing
1st – Mark White
2nd – Richard Kain
3rd – Richard Hurcomb
4th – Dan Burchall
5th – Ed O’Shaughnessy
6th – Stephen Hill
Best Dressed Foot –Stephen Hill
Best Specimen shoe – Dan Burchall
Best Local – Richard Hurcomb

Class 6 Donkey Trimming.
1st – Andrew Marris
2nd – Justin Rose
3rd – Russell Deering
4th – Thomas Richards
5th – Stephen Hill
6th – Craig D’Arcy
Best Apprentice- Andrew Marris.

Show Championship.
Champion – Stephen Hill.
Reserve Champion – Ed O’Shaughnessy

13-15 July 2007 - Kent County Horseshoeing Competitions

It was our pleasure to welcome our judges David Gulley, Nigel Perrott and Paul Stern to the competitions. Our thanks go to all of them for all their hard work. My personal thanks go to our stewards Paul, Phil, Kevin and Trevor for all the work that goes into the smooth running of the competition, and all the helpers who contribute so much time.

We had three busy and successful days of competition. A new “Forge & Bring” class was included this year, with the winner being awarded the Edgar Stern Memorial Trophy.

Kevin Willard who was one of Edgar’s apprentices gave a moving explanation of how the shoeing competition had been started by Edgar back in 1974. Who along with his wife Joyce, most of their family, and other members of the Association have kept the competition going for the past 33 years.

I would like to thank all the competitors for their continued support, and for making it such a friendly show.

Our grateful thanks for their continued support go to our sponsors, Corralls Coal Merchant, Mrs Rix, Mrs De Quincey, Kent County Agricultural Society and also to Mr Dowle for erecting the fencing around the stand.

Results:

Shire Shoeing

1st - Duncan Green - Margaret Slight trophy
2nd - Jim Cooper
3rd - Stephen Cox Rusbridge
4th - Stephen Newman
5th - Andrew Johnson
Highly Comm. - Jim Farnham
Commended - Mick O’Dell

Hunter Shoeing

1st - Stephen Newman - Abbey Manor Shield / WCF Silver
2nd - Duncan Green
3rd - Martha Harris
4th - Jim Cooper
5th - Mark Watson
Highly Comm - Andrew Johnson
Commended - Stephen Cox Rusbridge

Open Shoemaking

1st - Ben Casserly - Open Shoemaking Plate
2nd - Ricky Hilton
3rd - Stephen Newman
4th - Mark Watson
5th - Jim Cooper
Highly Comm - Jim Farnham
Commended - Anthony Waterfield

Apprentice Shoemaking

1st & 2nd Year

1st - Russell Deering - Paul Stern Finches Forge Trophy/ WCF Bronze
2nd - Jack Casserly
3rd - Steven Howard
Highly Comm - Dean Scott
Commended - Julia Cheney

3rd & 4th Year

1st - Ben Casserly - Arthur Cottam Trophy/ WCF Bronze
2nd - Ricky Hilton
3rd - Anthony Waterfield
Highly Comm - Steve O’Dell
Commended - Ben Walker

Apprentice with the highest marks in Kent

Anthony Waterfield - Tankard

Kent Show Championship for Classes 1, 2 &3

1st - Stephen Newman - Southern Counties Shield
2nd - Duncan Green - Engraved Tankard

Kent Men Special for Classes 1, 2 &3

1st - Mick O’Dell
2nd - Daniel Stern
3rd - Anthony Waterfield

Forge & Bring

1st - Stephen Cox Rusbridge - Edgar Stern Memorial Trophy
2nd - Kathryn Dawes
3rd - Nathan Brazier
4th - Abi Hardy
5th - Yogi Sharp
Highly Comm - Andrew Johnson
Commended - Gemma Sharp
8th - Daniel Stern

Best Competitor under 25 years

Duncan Green

Blacksmithing

1st - Stephen Newman - Don Mallett Trophy
2nd - Nathan Brazier
3rd - Stephen Cox Rusbridge

Malcolm Yeats Trophy
Phil Dunmall

21-24 June 2007 - Royal Highland Show

Judges: A Ferrie, Kilmarnock and P. Robinson, Galston

Champion – R. Robb

Reserve - J S Balfour

Therapeutic Shoes (Registered Farriers)
1. David Varini
2. Ian Gajczak
3. J S Balfour

Therapeutic Shoes (Official Apprentices)
1. William Brooks
2. Fraser Spittal
3. Stuart Malcolm

Hunter Horseshoes (Official Apprentices)
1. W Balfour
2. William Brooks
3. Stuart Malcolm

Open Farm Horseshoes (Registered Farriers)
1. David Varini
2. R Robb
3. J S Balfour

Horse Shoeing Hunters
1. David Varini
2. R Robb
3. David Shearer

Horse Shoeing Roadster
1. Steven Beane
2. R Robb
3. Balfour

Horse Shoeing Farm Horses
1. J S Balfour
2. Mr David Shearer
3. R Robb

Live Blacksmithing
1. D Sutherland and G Elphick
2. J S Balfour and K Balfour
3. I Gajczak and R Robb

9 June 2007 - The Bell local farriers' shoeing competition and beer festival

Local and Dutch farriers competed at The Bell Farriers’ Shoeing Competition on June 9, at Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire, to raise money for Combat Stress, the ex-services mental welfare charity. Many of the farriers have military backgrounds and they raised a total of £925 for the charity that provides a lifeline to those who have returned from conflicts around the world mentally scarred from their experiences. Through Combat Stress they can receive the specialised care and support that they need to fit back in to civilian life. (Some commented that they could benefit from stress relief after their 60-minute rounds, and found it in the beer tent next door...)

Not only was the event for a good cause, but there were many excellent prizes to be won, generously donated by our sponsors. First prize went to Lloyd Jenkins, who was competing for the first time in 11 years. ‘I have enjoyed today so much that I will definitely compete again next year!’, said Lloyd. Second was Dutch farrier Douwe Dokter, a familiar face at The Bell competition, and also at the International Farriery Competition at Stoneleigh. Third was Stuart Craig, regular patron of The Bell.

Robin May gave up his Saturday to judge the competition, though he is threatening to compete next year. This prompted local farriers to promise to get even more ‘practice‘ in before the 2008 competition.

The event is also popular with the local apprentices, most of whom also competed last year. One apprentice, Jack, pictured holding his prizes, said that he really enjoyed the event and explained that it had made him ‘even more determined’ to become a farrier. Organiser, Haitze Wiersma thanked all concerned and is already planning next year’s competition. In the meantime, he is arranging for the winners’ names to be inscribed on a large brass bell that hangs inside The Bell public house.

Our thanks go to our sponsors, without whom the competition would not be possible:
Mustad
Vettec
MNC
Farriers Equipment
Handmade Shoes (UK)
Stromsholm (Egham)

30 May - 2 June 2007 - Royal Bath & West Show Shoeing Competitions

Results (provided by Nigel Smith, and John Ford)

The shoeing classes are judged on the preparing of the horses foot, the shoe that is made for that foot and for the overall finished job, all achieved, of course, within a time limit. In the cob, hunter and pony classes the time allowed is 1 hour 5 minutes, with a specimen shoe also to be made in the Open Pony Class.

The shoemaking class requires competitors to make two shoes in 50 minutes. The competitors have no idea what the shoes are until the judge places them on the viewing board.

The show champion is awarded to the farrier scoring the highest number of points over the three days. Darren Bazin and Ian Allison won two classes apiece but an unusual result in the shoemaking class cost Ian dearly. The show was a great success even though many top competitors were taking time away from competing to prepare for the world championships in Canada. We look forward to their return next year.
Our next event at the showground forge will be on September 29 when we will hold the National Hunter Shoeing Championship. It is hoped the competition will attract some top farriers.
This year’s show was held on May 30 to June 2. The competitors were delighted to see the return of a bronze statue trophy very kindly sponsored by Jim Blurton, the 2005 world champion farrier.

1st & 2nd Year Apprentice Shoemaking

1. Kathryn Dawe; 2. Abi Hardy; 3. Luke Larder; 4. Chris Green

3rd & 4th Year Apprentice Shoemaking

1. D.A. Dawson; 2. J. Foyle; 3. Stuart Taylor; 4. Mark Talling

Apprentice Therapeutic Shoemaking

1. Joel Morris; 2. D. A. Dawson; 3. Martin Pearson; 4. Lee Tibbatts

Restricted Riding Pony Shoeing

1. Duncan Thomson; 2. Andrew Bowyer; 3. Nick Rule; 4. Alex Lake

Open Cob Shoeing

1. Ian Allison; 2. Darren Bazin; 3. Nigel Brown; 4. Gavin Golby

Open Hunter Shoeing

1. Ian Allison; 2. David Smith; 3. Gavin Golby; 4. Darrin Bazin

Open Pony Shoeing

1. Darren Bazin; 2. Ian Allison; 3. Gavin Golby; 4. Matthew Randles

Open Shoemaking

1. Darren Bazin; 2. Matthew Randles; 3. Gavin Golby; 4. Adam Fox

Show champion: Darren Bazin

Reserve champion: Ian Allison

30-31 May - Staffordshire County Show

Staffordshire County Show horseshoeing competitions were held on May 30 to 31. The competition was a great success despite some bad weather that usually accompanies the Stafford show on day at least, writes Jonathan Nunn. Mr David Gulley did a great job judging the 60 or so farriers and apprentices over the two days. Grateful thanks for Farriers Supplies Midland, Swan Products and NAFBAE for their continuous support and sponsorship for the Staffordshire Branch annual competition.

Open Roadster

1. Grant Moon; 2. Derek Gardener; 3. Charles Hughes; 4. Baz Grey; 5. Robert Duggan; 6. Matthew Randles; 7. Andrew Cooling; 8. Mick Thorne.

Best prepared foot: Derek Gardener

Best specimen shoe: Grant Moon

Restricted Roadster

1. Rob Duggan; 2. Ben Casserly; 3. Matthew Rees; 4. Gareth Holt; 5. Ricky Hilton; 6. Steve Arnold; 7. Jason Megan; 8. Baz Grey

Best prepared foot: Baz Grey

Open Shoemaking

1. Gary Darlow; 2. James Farnham; 3. Matthew Randles; 4. Derek Gardener; 5. Charles Hughes; 6. Elgar Harries; 7. Andrew Cooling. 8. Russell Jones.

1st & 2nd Year Apprentice class

1. Tim Boulton; 2. Jamie Bourne-Withy; 3. Craig Callan; 4. Simon Hunter; 5. George Harris; 6. Adam Bradley; 7. Georgina Miller

3rd & 4th Year Apprentice class

1. Jason Gajzak; 2. Ben Casserly; 3. Ricky Hilton; 4. Tom Richards; 5. Oliver Jones; 6. Ben Green; 7. James Moreton; 8. Michael Darwin

17-19 May 2007 - Devon County Show

This year’s Devon County Show took place on May 17 to 19, writes organiser, Kris Parsons Steward. The first day’s pony shoeing class (incorporating the competition to find the south west champion) saw some good quality work with only three to four points separating the top 10. Third place was claimed by Ian Allison, second was Andrew Nichols and first was Gavin Colby, with Andrew Nichols crowned southwest champion for the third consecutive year.

Thursday afternoon saw the first two rounds of the open shoemaking competition; competitors fared well and produced good quality specimens for the judge - David Smith - to mark.

Friday morning found a few sore heads thanks to the hospitality of Devon’s real ale tent. But presented with some of the areas best horses, the competition cracked on with the roadster class, again making it hard work for David Smith to separate the shoeing specimens presented to him. Ian Allison won the roadster class with Andrew Nichols a close second, and Nigel Brown an even closer third. Further open shoemaking rounds were held in the afternoon producing a high standard of shoemaking.

Saturday morning’s hunter shoeing class got underway with great enthusiasm. The first and second year apprentice gas forge shoemaking class went well, with a good standard set and an eventual winner found (James Moles). Joint second was Jamie Barnes and Harry Garner. Then it was the turn of the third and fourth year apprentices who produced some good shoes. Third was Peter Douglas, followed by Darren Cassidy in second place, and Dave Webley winning the class. The hunter shoeing wound up by lunchtime. Third place was awarded to Nigel Brown; second place to Gavin Colby and first place saw Ian Alison with another win.

The two man teams pulled out all the stops to make some hard judging for David Smith in the fireman and doorman competition. The winners were Nigel Brown and Ed Simcock closely followed in second place by Gavin Colby and Ian Allison.

With the last few competitors completing the shoemaking on Saturday morning the results were as follows. Joint third Stephen Cox-Rusbridge and Gavin Colby; second Andrew Nichols and first went to Ian Allison. Needless to say this year’s champion is Ian Allison and the reserve Andrew Nichols.

I would like to thank our sponsors this years – Vaughan’s L & D, South West Shoeing supplies, Stromsholm and Swan Products. I would also like to thank this year’s judge David Smith for giving us his time and expertise. Finally, the competitors who took the time and trouble to enter and compete, without whom we wouldn’t run. Thank you also to the stewards David Biss and Mark Preece who gave their time to the show which is very much appreciated.

6-7 May 2007 - Leicestershire Agricultural County Show

NAFBAE’s Leicester Branch runs the farriery competitions and Michael Woodford is the organiser.

Results

Open Hunter Shoeing

1. Gary Darlow (D. L. Gulley Perpetual Challenge Trophy); 2. Steven Beane; 3. Darren Bazin; 4. David Smith; 5. Gavin Colby.

Best prepared foot: Matt Randles

Best speciment shoe: Steven Beane

1st & 2nd Year Apprentices

1. Richard Slater (Richard ‘Sam’ Plant Trophy); 2. Julia Cheney; 3. Matt Alderman; 4. Harry Garner; 5. Steven Griffin.

Highly commended: Bob Stubbs

Commended: Davey Calko

Open Roadster Shoeing

1. Darren Bazin (Cookes Cup); 2. Steven Beane; 3. Gary Darlow; 4. David Smith; 5. Ian Allison.

Best prepared foot: David Smith (Hayles Farrere Partners Trophy)

Best specimen shoe: Darren Bazin

3rd & 4th Year Apprentices

1. Michael Richardson (Ilston Forge Trophy); 2. Ben Casserley; 3. Ricky Hilton; 4. Thomas Richards; 5. Lewis May

Highly commended: Daniel Broad

Commended: Tom Farmer

Highest shoemaking score over two days for the open hunter and roadster classes
Steven Beane (Mickephil O’Reardon Trophy)

 

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